his family is 25% of those in newark, new jersey, living below the poverty line. >> i was homeless for two months and still coming here. >> reporter: underneath an abandoned stadium, united states naval academy graduate mike stedman started the iron bound boxing academy. >> it speaks to the kids we're targeting and the communities we're targeting. they want to box, they want to learn how to fight so once we get them in the door we get to mold them in into better individuals. >> reporter: the mission, free recreation for inner city youth. >> everybody needs a coach. everybody needs somebody in their corner, i don't care who you are. >> reporter: the training isn't in jabs but life skills. >> you get them in the habit of coming to the gym. the first thing we teach them is that anything in life that's important is just showing up. a job interview, getting better at school. >> reporter: elvin rarely misses a day. how did boxing get you through the tough times. mow did you get through...